Tragedy struck the Idumoza community in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, when a hotel under construction collapsed on Friday, August 1, 2025, killing its owner, Harrison Isesere. Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred while Isesere was inside the building, with his remains recovered from the rubble on Sunday morning, August 3. Over 20 workers at the site narrowly escaped death, though the collapse has raised concerns about safety standards. Local residents, including Andrew Inegbebor, alleged that the use of substandard materials, such as 12mm rods instead of the required 16mm for pillars and the absence of base baskets, may have contributed to the structural failure, a warning they claim was ignored despite prior cautions to the owner.
The incident has sparked outrage and grief in the community, with questions emerging about oversight and enforcement of construction regulations in the region. No official statement from the Edo State Government or the police has detailed the cause, though the lack of an engineer on site has been cited as a potential factor. The sudden loss of Isesere, described as a budding investor, has left the area mourning, while authorities are expected to investigate further to prevent future tragedies in this historically resilient community known for its cultural heritage.
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